Remulla: ICC coordination not a signal of Phl return

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla clarified on Thursday that the Philippine government’s coordination with the International Criminal Court (ICC)—particularly on witness protection and inter-agency briefings—should not be construed as a signal that the country is rejoining the tribunal.

“That’s a separate decision,” Remulla said when asked whether current cooperation suggests a move to re-enter the ICC.

“But if it just means recognizing the international tribunal in charge of the case, that’s because it’s where we’re referring the perpetrators of extrajudicial killings,” he added.

Remulla emphasized that ensuring the safety and protection of witnesses involved in ICC-related cases remains a government priority. The coordination is strictly limited to that scope, he said.

He explained that as long as coordination continues, the relevant agencies will be briefed to guarantee that witnesses remain safe and properly protected.

Remulla also confirmed that the government has not received new communications or arrest notices from the ICC regarding other individuals potentially facing charges related to the anti-drug campaign.

“As far as the ICC is concerned, there’s nothing so far. They haven’t said anything, but we just roll with the punches and do what we need to do,” he said.

When pressed on whether the Philippines should formally return to the ICC, Remulla deferred, saying the matter falls under the purview of a “concerned cluster in charge of this case.”

Meanwhile, the DOJ chief confirmed that the case of Diego Bello Lafuente—a Spanish national killed in a 2020 police anti-drug operation in Siargao—is not part of the ICC’s ongoing investigation.

Remulla said the Department of Justice will study the case after the victim’s parents sought assistance from the government. He added that the Prosecutor General will be tasked to assess what actions are needed to pursue the case, noting that one of the involved police officers is already in custody.